BLACK DEATH

Black death is a severe bacterial infection that could be fatal. The disease is characterized by a bacterium strain called Yersinia pestis, which is also known as the “black plague.” This bacterium can be found in animals all over the world and is typically transferred to humans via fleas.

Furthermore, a plague is more likely to spread in regions with poor sanitation, overpopulation, and a big rodent population. If you seriously doubt you have it, seek medical attention right soon.

SYMPTOMS

Black death is categorized into three types: septicemic, pneumonic, and bubonic. The symptoms usually depend on what area of your body is affected.

Bubonic plague

Bubonic plague is by far the most common form of the illness. Furthermore, its term comes from the swollen buboes (lymph nodes) that appear within the first week of infection. Its symptoms include:

  • Muscle aches
  • Headache
  • Sudden onset of chills and fever
  • Malaise or fatigue

Septicemic plague

When plague germs proliferate in your bloodstream, it is referred to as septicemic plague. The following are some of the symptoms:

  • Extreme weakness
  • Chills and fever
  • Death of tissue or blackening in your nose, toes, and fingers
  • Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
  • Shock
  • Bleeding from your rectum, nose, under the skin, or mouth

Pneumonic plague

Pneumonic plague is a disease that influences the lungs. It’s the rarest type of plague, but it’s also the most harmful since it can be passed from human to human through cough droplets. Some of the signs and symptoms are as follows:

  • Cough with blood
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Chest pain
  • Headache
  • High fever
  • Weakness 

DIAGNOSIS

If your doctor thinks your symptoms are due to the black death, he or she might check for Yersinia pestis bacteria using the following tests:

  • Blood. This test is used to diagnose septicemic plague.
  • Buboes. This test is used to check for bubonic plague.
  • Lungs. This test is used to identify pneumonic plague.

TREATMENT

Black death is a life-threatening disease that necessitates immediate medical attention. It’s a curable disease if discovered and treated early using generally available medications.

Moreover, strong and effective antibiotics like ciprofloxacin or gentamicin, IV fluids, oxygen, and, in some cases, respiratory support are commonly used in treatment.

To avoid contracting or spreading the disease, medical staff and health care providers should take extreme precautions.

Also, after the fever has subsided, treatment must be continued for several weeks.

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